Calls for Release of Bahraini Activists Detained during Peaceful Protest

Freedom House Calls for Release of Bahraini Activists Al Khawaja and Al Sayed
Washington – December 15, 2011 – Freedom House

Freedom House condemns the arrest of three democracy activists during a peaceful demonstration in Bahrain today and calls on authorities to immediately release the two that remain in custody, Zainab al Khawaja and Masooma al Sayed.

Bahraini security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters today along the Budaiya highway leading into the capital, Manama. Al Kawaja and al Sayed, along with a third woman, Mariam Sarraj, were cuffed and dragged away by police after refusing to leave a sit-in in nearby roundabout after the protests were shut down. Bahraini authorities released a statement that two women had been arrested for illegal gathering and one has been accused of assaulting a female police officer. The alleged assault is refuted by witness reports as well as photo and video documentation of the arrests. Sources close to the women state that they have been transferred to public prosecution, raising fears that they will be put in jail without a fair trial. Sarraj was released earlier today without charge.

“Despite its rhetoric to the contrary, today’s crackdown calls into question whether the government of Bahrain is serious about real reform,” said Daniel Calingaert, vice president for policy and external relations at Freedom House. “Bahrainis are sickof hearing that reform is on the way. They want to see tangible evidence, beginning with the ability to demonstrate peacefully without fear of prosecution.” …more